EP2742667A1

EP2742667A1 - Method for operating a network system

Info

Publication number: EP2742667A1
Application number: EP12733086.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthias HORST
Original assignee: Eht Vermogensverwaltung Ug
Current assignee: Eht Vermogensverwaltung Ug
Priority date: 2011-08-09
Filing date: 2012-07-03
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-03
Also published as: EP2742667B1; US20140253967A1; US9235365B2; WO2013020756A1; DE102011109748B4; DE102011109748A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a network system (2) having at least one client device (4.1, 4.2), at least one management device (16) and at least one printing device (14), comprising: provision of a first order from the client device (4.1, 4.2) for execution by the at least one printing device (14), storage of the order in a memory device (10.1, 10.2) of the client device (4.1, 4.2), transmission of an order request from the client device (4.1, 4.2) to the management device (16), wherein the order of execution of orders is managed by the management device (16), transmission of requests from the client device (4.1, 4.2) to the management device (16) at first prescribable intervals of time to determine whether the printing device (14) is available for executing the order from the client device (4.1, 4.2), and transmission of an enable signal from the management device (16) to the client device (4.1, 4.2) in response to the request from the client device (4.1, 4.2) when the printing device (14) is available for executing the order from the client device (4.1, 4.2).

Description

Method for operating a network system

The invention relates to a method for operating a network system having at least one client device, at least one management device and at least one printing device. The invention further relates to a network system, a computer program and a

Computer program product.

In many companies, but also in the private sector, more and more network systems are being used to set up different ones

to connect electrical appliances together. One

Network system may include, for example, one or more servers, one or more printing devices, and one or more client devices that may communicate with each other via a wireless and / or wired network. The printing devices of a network system may in particular be printing devices that can be used jointly by the client devices. It is understood that in a network system, one or more multifunction devices may be present, which combine various functions, such as printing, scanning, copying, faxing, in one device.

So that in a network, a printing device of a

Variety of client devices can be shared, is usually a server device, such as a

Print server, provided. A print job generated on a client device is first sent to the client

Transfer print server. This saves the print job, ie the print data. In general, one is Queue provided in the print server to manage the execution of the print jobs in a predetermined order. When the printing device is ready for the print job of the client device, the print server transmits the corresponding print job to the printer for printing

Printing device.

Corresponding network systems and methods for operating the network systems are known in the art. However, they have the disadvantages of increased resource requirements and maintenance efforts. Not only that, an additional server device with a corresponding computational and

Storage capacity is required. But a

In addition, server device always brings an increased need for maintenance and thus corresponding costs.

To solve the problem is known from US 6,115,132 A

A method of operating a network system having a plurality of client devices, at least one

Printing device in the form of a printer and a print server known. The print server is used in particular to the

Order of print jobs to manage, with the

Print jobs remain on the client device itself. After the client device has transferred print information to the print server without the actual print data, it controls the order of the print jobs to be executed at the print device. The print server actively transmits an enable signal to the client device when the printer is ready to print the job. Upon receipt of the enable signal, the client device transmits the print data to the printer. After all the printer informs the print server about the completion of the job.

A disadvantage of this method, however, is that of

Print Server must actively send a message to the client device. However, this is often difficult due to the increasing security requirements in today's world. The reason for this is that a client device or an intermediary device nowadays usually has a protective mechanism, for example a firewall. However, a firewall limits access from external devices to the client device. Thus, the firewall also blocks a release message actively sent by the print server.

From the prior art is known to solve the problem, the protection application for each external device, such as a plurality of print servers explicitly unlock, so that a transmission of the enable signal to the

Client device is enabled. A corresponding

However, configuration of a protection application is complex on the one hand, especially in a variety of

network devices that are to be enabled, and quickly overwhelms a user. On the other hand, a faulty

Activation cause unauthorized third parties to access the client device.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a network system, which in a simple way, a reduction of

Resource requirements and the maintenance of a

simultaneously low security risk. The object is achieved by a method for operating a network system according to claim 1.

In particular, the object according to the invention in a

Method for operating a network system with at least one client device, at least one

Management device and at least one printing device solved. The method comprises the steps:

Providing a first order from the

Client device for execution by the at least one printing device,

Storing the job in a storage device of the client device,

To submit a request for an order from the

Client device to the management device, wherein the execution order of orders from the

Administration facility is managed,

Transferring requests in first predefinable

Time intervals from the client device to the

Management device, whether the printing device for executing the job of the client device for

Is available, and

Transmitting a release signal in response to the request of the client device from the

Management device to the client device when the printing device is available for executing the job of the client device.

In contrast to the prior art, according to the invention is a blocking of an enable signal of a

Management device to a client device in a simple manner even in the presence of a protection application prevented by a communication (always) from the

Client device is initiated. In other words, the manager behaves (always) passively while the client device actively communicates with the client

Can initiate administrative device.

The at least one client device may be, for example, a computer, a tablet PC, a

Smartphone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a

Notebook, etc. act. The management device can be a processing device with

Processor means, storage means, interfaces, etc.

act like a computer. In particular, the

Management device a server component for managing the order of jobs to be processed. For example, it is possible for the manager to be served by a (special) client computer or the printing device

is formed. However, unlike a print server device, the performance requirements and maintenance requirements of a manager are significantly reduced. Under a printing device may present a resource

which provides a function or service to a client device. In other words, a printing device can preferably be shared by a plurality of client devices.

An order, in particular a print job, can be provided by the at least one client device for execution on the at least one printing device.

For example, a print job may be generated by an application of the client device. The job or job data may be stored locally in the client device. For example, the client device may include an order component comprising a client component and a server component. The

Job component may be provided in particular to monitor the storage and processing of the job. The Ciienteinrichtung transmits an order request preferably via a network to the management device. An order request includes order information data.

Preferably, an order request comprises only data which is used to manage the execution order of orders

required are. For example, at least the type of job and / or the selected printing device can be transmitted. The data to carry out the job, such as

For example, the print data for performing a

Print job, will not transfer. A local one

Storage of the order or the order data has the advantage - that a server device with high

Resource requirements can be eliminated.

Furthermore, the client device transmits requests to the

Manager. In particular, the

Client device query whether the printing device for

Execution of their job is available, so whether the client device or the order of the client device is the turn. The client device can preferably request or poll at the administration device at predeterminable intervals.

The management device can, at least upon detection, that the printing device for the execution of the order of Client device is available, so the

Client device is in turn, transmit a release signal in the form of a response to the client device. In other words, the management device does not actively transmit a release signal, but only after a request from the client device. The enable signal is therefore not blocked by a client device or intermediary device protection application. It is understood that the first time intervals can be chosen such that almost no (unnecessary) idle times

occur, ie times, in which no order is executed, although order inquiries are present. It is understood that after a first request, the printing device may already be available.

In a simple way, according to the invention, the resource requirement and the maintenance effort can be reduced without a reduction in the security of, in particular, a client device.

In principle, the administration of the order of the print jobs to be processed can be managed in any manner. It has been recognized that the order of

Orders can be managed easily and at the same time without preference of specific orders, if one

Ticket system is used. Preferably, according to a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, the received order request can be assigned a ranking number by the management device. The order of execution of the orders may depend on the ranking numbers of the order requests. In particular, in order of

Arriving each order request a chronological Ranking number will be awarded. In particular, the FIFO principle ("first in first out") can be realized.

For example, the rank numbers can be assigned in ascending order. In this case the print job is with the

lowest ranking number of the currently performed

Print job, ie the active job.

In addition, after receiving the order request in response from the management device to the

Client device at least the order request

assigned rank number to be transferred. In addition, information about the (approximate) time at which the printing device is available to execute the job can preferably also be transmitted. Furthermore, it is preferably additionally possible to transmit the ranking number assigned to the currently executed order request. It is understood that instead of this rank number, the number of orders still to be processed can be transferred to the client device. Particularly preferably, in addition at least a first time interval can be transmitted.

In other words, the client device of the

Administration information received when you

Job is executed by the printing device (probably). For example, this information can be displayed to the user. In addition, the information can be used to determine the first time interval and a

Send request to the administrative body. Preferably, however, a first time interval of the

Management device can be specified. According to a further embodiment it can be provided that the management device responds to each request of the

Client device transmits a response. In particular, by means of the response current information about the

(Approximate) time at which the printing device for the execution of the job is available to be transmitted. For example, the currently active rank number can be transmitted. Additionally or alternatively, a new first time interval can be specified for each request. The first time interval can be variable and current

States of the printing device and / or the

Management device and / or the client device can be adjusted. It is understood that alternatively, a constant time interval can be provided.

Another advantage is that the above information can not be blocked by a protective device. Reason for this, in turn, is that this

Information (only) in the form of a response to a request of the client device can be transmitted to them. The management device behaves in particular passively.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, after receiving the release signal, the stored order from the client device to the

Printing device to execute the job to be transferred. Preferably immediately after receipt of the

Release signal, the order, for example, a

Print job to be transferred to the printing device. Even without a separate print server, print jobs can be executed promptly. After a transfer of an order from the

Client device to the printing device may be provided according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention that the client device monitors the execution of the job. Preferably, at second predeterminable intervals from the client device

Condition requests are transmitted to the printing device. The second time intervals may preferably be constant and based for example on previously performed tests. After receipt of a request, the printing device can change the state of the job to be performed to the

Send client device in the form of a response.

For example, in the case of a print job, the number of pages still to be printed, pages already printed, error messages, etc. can be transmitted.

An interruption of the execution of the order

for example due to a technical defect of

Printing device, can be detected in a timely manner.

A condition of the order to be carried out is in particular the (successful) termination of the contract by the

Printing device. Preferably, after completion of the

Order the client device from the printing device in response to a request from the client device a first

Completion signal are transmitted to the client device. The client device can be informed promptly about the completion of the job. According to a further embodiment, the

Clienteinrichtung state messages about the state of the job to be performed at predetermined intervals to the Administration transferred. The predefinable time intervals may have previously been agreed between the management device and the client device.

In particular, this allows the manager to fail a client device, for example, due to a technical failure, shutdown, etc.

detect.

Preferably, a status message can be sent to each of them after each reception of a status response of the printing device

Administration facility to be sent. The

Administration is (always) informed about the progress of the order. The status information can be used by the management device to determine first time intervals for pending order requests up-to-date and in a timely manner. Also, in case of an error message or a technical fault of the printing device advantageously the management device can be set up, the

Client devices, which request orders to the

Administrative device have to inform about the disturbance, in particular in the form of a response to a request. For example, after notification of a failure, a client device may withdraw the order request. Another printing device for processing the job can be selected by the client device. The order request can be from the

Management entity are removed from the queue. In a simple way, a high execution speed of orders can be ensured even in case of disturbances.

Furthermore, in particular after receiving the first

Completion signal from the client device a second Completion signal are transmitted from the client device to the management device. The

Administration can be informed promptly about the termination of the contract. Upon receipt of the second completion signal, the corresponding order request may be dequeued by the manager. The next order can be carried out.

Preferably, the next print job is the order request associated with the next rank number.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, an order expenditure for carrying out the order of the client device can be determined by the printing device. The particular order cost may be transferred to the client device for billing from the printing device. In addition, it can be provided that the order cost of the client device to a

Accounting server is transferred. It may be desirable to reduce the effort required to process an order

Client, for example the user of

Client device to bill. For this purpose, the cost parameters of the order and the client can be determined. For example, the number of pages printed, the type of printing, the number of times an order is printed, and so on

Be printing medium, etc. This can result in a certain amount per printed page. The printing device can at least be set up to determine an expense parameter. This can be transferred to the client device and / or an accounting server for billing. Preferably, the particular effort data may be within the scope of a state response from the printing device to the

Client device to be transferred.

In addition to a determination of the order cost, it may also be necessary to determine the client.

For example, the user can be used from the

Transmission protocol can be determined, such as the Internet

Printing Protocol (IPP) or Line Printer Remote (LPR) protocol. Also, other sources may be used, such as a digital signature card or the like. In a simple way, orders carried out by a jointly usable printing device can be invoiced to a client

be put. Another aspect of the invention is a network system having at least one client device, at least one

Management device and at least one printing device, wherein the client device is set up for

Providing a first order for execution by the at least one printing device, the client device has a memory device configured to store the job, the client device is set up for

Transfer an order request to the

Managing means, wherein the managing means is arranged to manage the execution order of the orders. The client device is set up for

Transmitting requests at predetermined intervals to the management device, whether the printing device for

Execution of the job of the client device is available. The managing means is arranged to send a release signal in response to a request of Client device, if the printing device is available for executing the job of the client device.

The network system is particularly suitable for carrying out the method described above.

Another aspect of the present invention is a

Computer program with instructions executable on one

Processor such that a network system is operated by the method described above.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a computer program product comprising a previously described computer program having instructions executable on a computer program

Processor such that a network system is operated by the method described above.

The features of the method and the network system can be freely combined with each other. In particular, features of the description and / or the dependent claims, even in complete or partial circumvention of features of the independent claims, alone or free

being inventive in their own right. Furthermore, features of the description and / or the dependent claims may be provided by software components and / or

Hardware components to be formed.

There are now a variety of ways that

inventive method for operating a

Network system, the network system according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention and the computer program product according to the invention to design and further. On the one hand, reference is made to the subordinate to the independent claims

On the other hand, the description of

Embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a

Embodiment of a network system according to the invention; and

2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a

Method for operating a network system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a

Embodiment of a network system 2 according to the present invention.

The illustrated network system 2 comprises a first one

Client device 4.1 and a second client device 4.2. It is understood that a multiplicity of client devices or only one client device can be provided.

As client devices 4.1, 4.2 personal computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, notebooks, etc. may be provided. Preferably, a client device 4.1, 4.2

Processing means such as a processor, Speichermittei, interfaces and the like. Basically you can

various client devices 4.1, 4.2 may be provided.

In particular, a client device 4.1, 4.2 a

Application 6.1, 6.2 exhibit. The application 6.1, 6.2 can in particular, be set up to create a job, such as a print job. For example, application 6.1, 6.2 may be a word processor.

In addition, in the present case, a client device 4.1, 4.2 has an order component 8.1, 8.2, such as a

Print component 8.1, 8.2 for managing the print jobs on the client device 4.1, 4.2 on. The print component 8.1, 8.2 may have a dual function and be formed in particular of a client and a server component.

Furthermore, a client device 4.1, 4.2 comprises at least one memory device 10.1, 10.2, such as a hard disk or the like. The memory device 10.1, 10.2 is

specifically configured to create jobs as created

Print jobs, save. In other words, you can

Print jobs before printing locally in one of the

Client device 4.1, 4.2 associated memory device 10.1, 10.2 are stored.

It is understood that according to other variants of the invention, a client device 4.1, 4.2 for local storage of print jobs with an alternative or additional storage device, such as an external hard drive, a USB stick, etc., may be connected.

As already described, a client device 4.1, 4.2 has interfaces. In particular, a suitable interface for connecting the client device 4.1, 4.2 to a network 12 may be provided. The network 12 may be a local or a nonlocal network 12. About that In addition, it can be a wireless or a

wired network 12 act. Exemplary networks 12 are a Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless LAN

(WLAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), etc. It is understood that different subnetworks can also be combined into one network 12.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 1 that the

Network system 2 at least one printing device 14th

having. For example, a network printer 14

be provided. It is understood that a network system 2 may have a plurality of (different) printing devices. A network printer 14 may have a display, for example, in the form of a display and include a processor, memory means, interfaces, etc. In particular, the

Pressure device 14 to be connected to the network 12. The network printer 14 may be a secured one

Print device 14, which requires an authorization of a user to the printing device 14 for printing a document or the like.

In addition, a management device 16 is provided. The manager 16 may include a processor,

Storage means, interfaces, etc. include. The

Manager 16 may include a server component and, in particular, may be configured to manage the printing order on the at least one printing device 14. The manager 16 may include a storage device 18 for accepting job requests from print jobs

save and make a queue available. The memory device 18 can according to the FIFO principle

operate. However, other rules for managing the print order are conceivable. For example, order requests may have different priorities

order requests with higher priorities may take precedence over lower priority order requests.

In particular, the manager 16 may be configured to assign a rank number to each received job request. For example, a suitable number generator can be provided.

Finally, in the present exemplary embodiment, the network system 2 comprises an accounting server 20. The accounting server 20 can be set up to handle the expense of the

Performing the order. In the case of a print job, for example, depending on the printed pages, the type of print, the type of print medium, etc., the print job of a user can be billed.

For example, in the accounting server 20

User accounts managed and corresponding information

get saved. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a network system 2, as shown by way of example in FIG. The method for operating a network system 2 using the example of print jobs will be explained in more detail below.

In a first step 201, an order, in particular a print job, from a client device 4.1, 4.2 to be provided. Preferably, a print job can be generated by the client device 4.1, 4.2, for example by means of an application 6.1, 6.2. The provided print job can be used for further

Processing from the printing component 8.1, 8.2 are received in step 202. In particular, the print component 8.1, 8.2 can receive a print job on an LPR port or alternatively on an IPP port.

In a next step 203, the print component 8.1, 8.2 can cause an order request, in particular a print request, to be transmitted from the client device 4.1, 4.2 via the network 12 to the management device 16. The order request may include at least an indication of the type of order and / or the printing device 14 that is to execute the order. Furthermore, the user name, number of pages to be printed, etc. can also be transmitted. For transmission and communication can

suitable transmission protocols are used, such as

Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) or Line Printer Remote (LPR) protocol.

Preferably, parallel to the transmission of the order request to the management device 16, the print job, ie the data to be printed, in a (local) storage device 10.1, 10.2, which is assigned to the client device 4.1, 4.2, stored. A conventional print server can be omitted. It is understood that the two aforementioned steps can also be carried out serially. After receiving the order request from the

Client device 4.1, 4.2 can assign the management device 16 of the order request a rank number (step 204). In particular, a number generator can be provided which assigns a rank number to each received print job in chronological order. The order request can be sent together with the assigned ranking number in one

Job memory 18 are stored. It is understood that other data, such as the number of pages to be printed, the type of printing, the selected printing device 14, etc., can be stored. For example, the

Order memory 18 be implemented in the form of a queue. Because of compared to a print job

small amount of data of an order request are the

Resource requirements and the maintenance of a

Administration 16 low.

In step 204, the management device 16 can also transmit a response to the order request of the client device 4.1, 4.2 to the client device 4.1, 4.2.

In particular, the order request associated

Ranking number to be transferred. In addition, information about the (approximate) time at which the printing device 14 is used to execute the job may also be provided

Is available to be transferred. It may further preferably the rank number of the order request currently from the

Printing device 14 is performed, transferred. This allows the client device 4.1, 4.2 from the

Derive difference of the rank numbers, when the print job of the client device 4.1, 4.2 will be processed.

Instead of the currently performed rank number, the difference, that is, the number of times before the client device 4.1, 4.2 queued order requests.

For example, the ranking number of the order request of the client device 4.1, 4.2 can be fifteen and the current order request executed eleven. From this, the

Client device 4.1, 4.2 close that before the

Performing your own print job three more

Print jobs are processed.

It is understood that the allocation and generation of the rank numbers can be arbitrary. In principle, letters or other characters can be assigned as long as an execution order can be managed and order requests can be sorted in a suitable manner in a queue.

It is particularly preferred if the management device 16 transmits a first time interval to the client device 4.1, 4.2 (additionally). The first time interval indicates (until) when the client device 4.1, 4.2 should transmit a next request to the management device 16 (step 205). It can be provided that the order request of

Client device 4.1, 4.2 is deleted if it does not transmit a request to the management device 16 within the predetermined time interval. As a result, a pressure jam due to an inactive client device 4.1, 4.2 can be prevented. On the other hand, the client device 4.1, 4.2 also (always) this first time interval to

Transmission of a request, even if the

Pressure device 14 already to carry out the

Print job is available. In particular, however, can the first time interval are chosen such that such a delay can almost not occur. The first time interval can in particular depend on the number of

Order requests and / or the type of order requests.

By transmitting the aforementioned information in response to the order request from the client device 4.1, 4.2, it is not blocked by a protection application, such as a firewall.

In a next step 205, as already described, after a first predeterminable time interval a request can be transmitted to the management device 16.

In particular, the client device 4.1, 4.2 inquire whether the printing device 14 is available for processing the print job of the client device 4.1, 4.2.

In a next step 206, the administration device 16 can respond to the request of the client device 4.1, 4.2

Response to the client device 4.1, 4.2 transmitted.

In particular, the management device 16 can respond to any request from the client device 4.1, 4.2

transfer. For example, by means of the response, up-to-date information about the (approximate) time at which the printing device is to execute the job for

Is available to be transferred. The currently active ranking number can be transferred. Additionally or

Alternatively, a new first time interval can be specified for each request. The first time interval may be variable and adapted to current states of the printing device 14 and / or the management device 16. It goes without saying Alternatively, a constant time interval can be provided. A determination of the first time interval can be omitted. Steps 205 and 206 may be performed repeatedly. In other words, the client device 4.1, 4.2, the management device 16 in predeterminable

To time intervals. As has already been described, the active transmission of requests and the transmission of information in response to these requests prevents corresponding information from being sent, for example, by a

Firewall of the client device 4.1, 4.2 can be blocked. Is the printing device 14 for performing the

Print order available, so is the print job of the client device 4.1, 4.2's turn, the management device 16 transmits a response in step 206, a release signal to the client device 4.1, 4.2.

In a next step 207 then transmits the

Client device 4.1, 4.2, in particular by means of

Print component 8.1, 8.2, the stored print job (directly) to the printing device 14th

After receiving the print job of the client device 4.1, 4.2 this is listed in step 208 by the printing device 14. During the execution of the print job from the printing device 14, the execution of the

Client device 4.1, 4.2 are monitored. In particular, the client device 4.1, 4.2 can poll the printing device 14. It can be in predetermined second time intervals Condition requests are transmitted to the printing device 14. The printing device 14 can in response

Information about the state of implementation of the

Print job to the client device 4.1, 4.2 transferred. For example, information about the progress of printing, a technical failure, etc. may be transmitted. In this case too, there is no blocking of the

broadcast information due to the transmission in response to a request.

Furthermore, the client device 4.1, 4.2, the received status information to the management device

forward (step 209). The client device 4.1, 4.2 and the management device 16 may have agreed on time intervals for the transmission of the status information. Depending on this information, for example, the predefinable first time intervals for waiting print jobs or client devices 4.1, 4.2 can be determined. Further, in the absence of a request at an agreed time points on a technical defect of the client device 4.1, 4.2, a shutdown of the client device 4.1, 4.2 or the like can be concluded. Appropriate measures can be taken. If the client device 4.1, 4.2 receives a first termination signal from the printing device 14 in response to a request, it can report this to the management device 16. For example, the client device 4.1, 4.2 sends a second termination signal to the management device 16. The two termination signals can be the same. In other words, the client device 4.1, 4.2 forward the first termination signal to the manager 16.

Upon receipt of the second completion signal, the manager 16 removes the corresponding one

Order request from the queue of the job memory (step 210). The waiting print jobs move up and the client device 4.1, 4.2, whose print job has the next rank number, will respond in response to a request from this client device 4.1, 4.2 above

informed .

It will be appreciated that a manager 16 may manage a plurality of printing devices. For example, a separate queue may be provided for each printing device.

In addition to the first completion signal, the

Printing device 14 Billing data of the executed

Print job to the client device 4.1, 4.2 transferred. The billing data may be, for example, the (actual) printed pages, the type of print (e.g., colored or black and white), the type of paper, etc.

In particular, the printing device 14 may be provided with a counter. The status of the counter can be compared to the count after printing the print job before printing a print job. The difference can be transmitted to the client device 4.1, 4.2. For example, the billing data may be used together with the first

Termination signal to be transmitted. The billing data can first be transmitted locally in the client device 4.1, 4.2. This can be provided in particular when the accounting server 20 is currently not reachable. Subsequently, these can be transmitted to the accounting server 20. It is understood that the billing data even without a local

Caching in the client device 4.1, 4.2 can be forwarded to the accounting server 20 for billing (step 211).

Claims

Pa t tan sp uce

Method for operating a network system (2) having at least one client device (4.1, 4.2), at least one management device (16) and at least one printing device (14), comprising:

- Providing a first order from the

Client device (4.1, 4.2) for execution by the at least one printing device (14),

Storing the job in a memory device (10.1, 10.2) of the client device (4.1, 4.2),

Transferring an order request from the

Client device (4.1, 4.2) to the

Administrative facility (16), the

Execution order of orders from the

Administrative facility (16) is managed,

- Transmission of requests in first predetermined

Time intervals from the client device (4.1, 4.2) to the management device (16), whether the

Printing device (14) for executing the job of the client device (4.1, 4.2) is available, and

Transmitting a release signal in response to the request of the client device (4.1, 4.2) from the

Management device (16) to the client device (4.1, 4.2) when the printing device (14) for

Execution of the job of the client device (4.1, 4.2) is available.

Method according to claim 1, characterized in that

the order request received from the

Administration (14) a Rangnummei becomes,

- where the order of execution of the orders depends on the order numbers of the order requests.

A method according to claim 2, characterized in that after receiving the order request as a response from the management device (16) to the client device (4.1, 4.2) at least the order request associated with rank number is transmitted, preferably additionally assigned to the currently executed order request rank number is transmitted , and particularly preferably in addition at least a first time interval is transmitted.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after receiving the

Release signal of the stored order from the

Client device (4.1, 4.2) is transmitted to the printing device (14) for executing the job.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

- during the execution of the job in second

predetermined times from the client device (4.1, 4.2) state requests to the printing device (14) are transmitted, and

after receiving a status request from the

Printing device (14) a status response to the client device (4.1, 4.2) is transmitted.

A method according to claim 5, characterized by receiving a state response from the Client device (4.1, 4.2) a status message is transmitted to the management device (16).

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

- An order cost for performing the job of the client device (4.1, 4.2) is determined by the printing device (14), and

- The specific order cost for a billing from the printing device (14) to the client device (4.1, 4.2) and / or an accounting server (20) is transmitted.

Network system (2) with at least one client device (4.1, 4.2), at least one management device (16) and at least one printing device (14),

wherein the client device (4.1, 4.2) is set up to provide a first job for execution by the at least one printing device (14),

- wherein the client device (4.1, 4.2) a

Memory device (10.1, 10.2) set up for

Save the job,

- wherein the client device (4.1, 4.2) is arranged to transmit an order request to the

Administrative facility (16), and

- wherein the management device (16) is set up to manage the order of execution of the orders, characterized in that

- The client device (4.1, 4.2) is arranged to transmit requests at predetermined time intervals to the management device (16), whether the

Printing device (14) for carrying out the order of Client device (4.1, 4.2) is available, and - the management device (16) is set up to send a release signal in response to a request from the client device (4.1, 4.2) if the printing device (14) is responsible for executing the job of the client device (4.1 , 4.2) is available.

9. Computer program with instructions executable on a processor such that a network system (2) by means of the method according to one of the claims 1 to 8 is operated.

10. A computer program product comprising a computer program with instructions executable on a processor such that a network system (2) by means of the method according to one of the claims 1 to 8 is operated.